The Most Common Defects That Prevent a Home from Passing a Home Inspection.

Buyers typically request a home inspection to determine the condition of a property. What is uncovered prior to the closing can often result in needed repairs, which can set off renegotiating the deal with the seller or in extreme cases cause a deal to collapse. The inspectors are not the enemy! They are simply there to report on the condition of the property.

The biggest and most common defects that can be avoided are:

Improper Electrical Wiring
This is usually done by homeowners or unqualified contractors. Think inadequate overload protection, wires tied together without being housed in a box, etc. All of these issues can cause major problems and are fire hazards. As a seller, get this kind of work done with a proper permit and by a licensed contractor. It will save you time and money in the end. And, most electrical issues are safety issues. So, be smart and get it done right.

Roof Deterioration
A roof that is old and damaged leads to leaks. If left un-repaired, a totally new roof is often the only fix and can cost on average almost $20,000. So, check the shingles and tiles on an ongoing yearly basis, clean gutters yearly, and trim back trees that could cause damage.

Improper Surface Draining or Grading
Water is a powerful force and can flow into a house because of poor drainage or grading. Basements and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable. So, assess how your home sheds water, watch for signs of water damage, and find the source.

Plumbing Problems
The biggest money drainer is dripping faucets. Leaking water can cause damage that can often be fixed by a part that costs under a dollar. In addition, shoddy plumbing work is cheap, but expensive in the long run–think mismatched piping materials, improperly installed water heaters, or rocking toilets. So, make sure your toilets are securely bolted, check faucets and valves periodically for leaks, and do the repairs when the problems are small.

General Condition
Often cracks, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, broken appliances, and decayed caulking are found by inspectors, which can lead to costly repairs

Check these things on a regular basis and fix the issues early.

This is an excerpt from Carole’s monthly newsletter which contains great information on the Real Estate market of the Bay area and other helpful tips. Check out her site to sign up to receive her newsletter!